Museveni commissions US$ 300mln Yaobai Cement Factory in Moroto
The project is expected to significantly reduce Uganda’s clinker import bill, saving an estimated US$ 200 million annually in foreign exchange
MOROTO, April 27, 2026 — President Yoweri Museveni, in the company of former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe, presided over the commissioning of Phase One of US$ 300 million cement clinker production line by Yaobai Cement over the weekend. The facility is located in Nanduget, Moroto district.
Museveni commended Hailemariam for his role in guiding West China Cement to invest in Uganda.
He also expressed gratitude to the Chairman of West China Cement, Zang Jiewen, for helping Uganda reduce its reliance on imported clinker.
“I am very glad that Mr Zang, with the guidance of Hailemariam, has saved us from importing clinker,” President Museveni said, noting that clinker constitutes about 85 per cent of cement production and had previously been sourced from abroad.
Museveni further thanked the Government of China for encouraging its citizens to invest in Africa, highlighting ongoing Chinese investments in sectors such as infrastructure and manufacturing.
He pledged government support to ensure a favourable tax regime for the factory, emphasising the importance of aligning with national investment policies.
Reflecting on regional development, Museveni noted that Karamoja, once among the least developed regions, is now emerging as an industrial hub due to its abundant natural resources.
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure, including key roads connecting Moroto, Kotido and surrounding areas.
Hailemariam, who serves as Africa Regional Ambassador of West China Cement, spoke about the mutual benefits of China–Africa investment, which he said are capable of driving development and real economic transformation.
The Vice President, Jessica Alupo, commended the President for creating a stable and attractive investment climate that continues to draw investors into the country.
Similarly, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa, applauded the transformation of Karamoja from a conflict-prone region into a centre of industrial growth. She noted that, with ongoing infrastructure development, Uganda is on course to achieve its economic targets.
The local partner, Ambrose Byoona, said the project was inspired by President Museveni’s vision to establish a clinker factory in Karamoja.
Moroto district LCV Chairman Anjello Pulkol noted that the factory has created employment opportunities and improved livelihoods in the region. He credited the President for restoring peace in Karamoja, which has made such investments possible.
Zang expressed appreciation to President Museveni, the Chinese Embassy and all stakeholders for their support throughout the project’s construction, describing the plant as a major milestone in strengthening Uganda’s industrial base.
He revealed that the project is expected to produce up to 2 million tonnes of clinker annually and 3 million tonnes of cement, generating approximately US$ 300 million in annual output value and creating more than 3,500 jobs upon full operation.
The project is expected to significantly reduce Uganda’s clinker import bill, saving an estimated US$ 200 million annually in foreign exchange.
Beyond Uganda, the plant is expected to serve regional markets including South Sudan, western Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo, thereby strengthening the East African supply chain and contributing to regional integration goals.
On behalf of West China Cement, Zang reaffirmed the company’s commitment to high-quality investment, technological advancement and environmentally sustainable production, with plans to establish a modern, low-emission industrial ecosystem in the region.
The Chargé d’Affaires of China in Uganda, Fan Xuecheng, praised Museveni’s leadership and commitment to strengthening Uganda–China relations, noting that such partnerships continue to yield tangible development outcomes.
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